Experimental and Developmental Study of a Four Year Comprehensive Vocational Education Program. Final Report.

To provide a personalized curriculum and to test certain hypotheses concerning vocational students, the Hudson School System has been operating an experimental vocational education project. This 4-year project has now been absorbed into the regular school program and has been extended to a cooperative vocational education program with neighboring schools. Questionnaire data indicate much progress was made in achieving stated objectives although the inter-group relationships and status of the vocational students did not show the desired improvements. The evaluation, however, did show a greater increase in self-concept among vocational girls than boys, and a generally more positive reaction to school from all vocational students in this highly college-oriented community. The great majority who took part in vocational training felt that it had prepared them well for work. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that strong effort be made to provide programs which encourage enthusiasm for learning. (Author/JS)